2. If a man came to me for advice, as you suggested, here is what I would say: I would first ask if he believed himself to be a “good” person. If he answered yes, I would ask him by what standard he was considering himself good. At this point, he may say that he tries not to hurt others, that he tries to live a good life. But yet I would press further and ask, “Is there a standard for good?” If he has no religious background, as you suggested, he might say that he doesn’t know. It is here I would suggest that he look to the Bible, and I would explain the merits of the book (as I did above, including consistency, prophecy, archeology and history). I would then go through what the Bible says is good. The Bible says that it is wrong to lie. I would ask if he had ever lied. I would be certain he would have to answer yes. I might then ask if he had ever stolen, which he may or may not admit to. I would then ask if he had ever lusted in his heart (and I would explain that Jesus taught that lust was tantamount to adultery). In the midst of all of this, I would be demonstrating to him that his conscience already bears witness with the Bible that he is a sinner. I would then explain what sin is, that it is an offense toward God. And I would press him on this question: How should God treat a person who has gone against His standard for righteousness, as you have? Should God punish a person who has broken His law, or simply set the person free? Well, he might argue that he didn’t know the law - but I would ask, “Didn’t you know before we started talking that lying, stealing and lust were wrong?” And if he affirms this, I would show him where the Bible says that is exactly right because God has put His law into our hearts.
At this point, I would then allow the person to think for a moment. I want him to realize his peril. He has sinned against his own conscience, and against the One who gave him his conscience. And it is in the realizing of this that I would pray that his next question would be “What do I do now?” It is here that I would begin to explain to him the concept of the grace of God. God has done what we as fallible men and women could not do. He sent His only begotten Son to be punished for our sins, so that we could receive the inheritance of eternal life. I would explain the person and work of Jesus, and how only through faith in Him could a person be confident that just as He was resurrected, we too will share in that same resurrection.
That is what I would say to him. I would share the gospel with him, plain and simple. For the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). You see, it would not be my job to “argue” or “prove” the testimony of Scripture. It would just be my job to proclaim it and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work only He can do, the work of conversion. If the man demanded proof, I would have to concede that we either receive or reject the testimony of Scripture in faith; not an empty or void faith, nor a faith without a solid foundation in history; but still faith. By grace are we saved through faith, and that is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
I hope this message finds you well, and I will pray that it helps.
In Christ,
Keith |
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